Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have endured a difficult start to the spring period; Winning just five of their last ten Premier League fixtures, the conclusive seven premier league fixtures of the season appear a grim prospect for the boys in red and white.
After a 6-0 thrashing to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on his 1000th game , Wenger’s men encountered another bump on the road and were held in a 2-2 draw at Swansea City. Arsene Wenger’s position as longstanding manager of Arsenal is once again in question. Twitter fans are rampant with criticism for Wenger’s tactics and approach to the ‘big games’ against Arsenal’s top four rivals, as well as his lethargic movements in both the winter and summer transfer windows. Fans are forced to ask themselves whether or not Wenger is still the man to lead Arsenal into a bountiful era of success… or is it 501 too many? Is it time for change at Arsenal? Is the question buzzing around north London during the aftermath of the recent rout, My answer, in simple terms, is no.
Arsene Wenger is known in the footballing world as a visionary and revolutionary, introducing a new training and dieting system that all modern teams replicate today, as well as an attractive footballing style simply branded as “The Arsenal Way” by Gunners supporters. Wenger basked in success in the early half of his career, racking up 11 major trophies consisting of three premier league titles, four F.A. cups and four community shields, as-well as the impressive feat that has not been replicated by any other English club, “The Invincibles” an unbeaten run that extended over 49 games, including one full season, in the Premier League.
The problem in recent seasons derives from the core of Arsenal football club itself, not Wenger. The construction of the magnificent spectacle of the Emirates Stadium cost the club in excess of £ 390 million, having a severe impact on what talent Wenger could bring in to the club with scarce funds. After the F.A. cup win over Manchester United in 2005, Arsenal began a restoration process that hindered their results, forcing them to sell key players on the back of losing Wenger’s aging elite squad of 2002, rendering them trophy-less to present day.
The stadium debt was paid off in 2013 and with the new lucrative deal with Puma, Wenger has found himself with the financial backing to force Arsenal into European ‘big dog’ status once again. The signing of Mesut Ozil in the summer of 2013 indicated Arsene’s intent, highlighting that the days of selling world class players are over and now Arsenal are capable of attracting them.
What’s the problem now then you ask? I believe Arsenal are still in reformation, Wenger is aware that Ozil was not the only player required to make the Gunners world-beaters again and the coming window will see incisive movements and squad bolstering. Arsenal still produce glimpses of fantastic, free-flowing football and have displayed a new found defensive solidarity this season in particular. However, what is still missing in my opinion is sheer brute force, ruthlessness and drive.
Arsenal have plenty of flair players (Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil) but still lack players of ‘footballing essentials’. With Theo Walcott injured, Arsenal miss the presence of traditional wingers, the searing pace and ability to whip a ball in from the flank.
Arsenal also lack a hulking stature and overwhelming aggressive presence in the midfield area having utilized former Everton playmaker, Mikel Arteta in the defensive midfield role, Wenger neglected the vacant position left by Alexandre Song’s departure, causing a reliance on the free transfer Mathieu Flamini, who is the only player in the midfield who is capable of doing the ‘dirty work’.
The clearly evident area of the field where the Gunners are inadequate is “up top”. Olivier Giroud being the only real senior striker in the squad, Arsenal have had scarce options for rotation and imprinted a very predictable style that can now be ‘sussed out’ by the Gunners rivals. Recent games have seen Olivier Giroud blocked out, with very few touches and appearing isolated.
With the F.A. Cup Semi-final on the horizon, Arsenal are odds on to end their trophy drought this season; which is all good and well, but to sustain success and send Arsenal (and Wenger) back into the competition with the top European teams as they once were, Arsene must ditch his ‘tight and clueless’ stereotype and make use of the £ 120 million transfer kitty reportedly being made available to him.
My summer solutions: Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Lars Bender (Bayern Leverkusen), Diego Costa (Athletico Madrid). The potential exit of key man Bacary Sagna would implement a need for a proven, solid RB, hence my suggestion of Seamus Coleman (Everton).
Cheaper Alternatives: Antoine Griezmann (Sociedad), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Serge Aurier (Toulouse).
Keep the faith, Wenger In.
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